The local pubs banning phones and laptops to encourage more banter

Samuel Smith Old Brewery pubs are banning the use of mobile phones to encourage more face-to-face social interaction (Image: Getty)

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Customers will now be advised that using a mobile phone will result in them being asked to step outside.

A memo sent by the brewery to pub managers is headed: "Mobile Phones and other Transmission Equipment."

It states: "The brewery's policy is not to allow customers to use mobile phones, laptops or similar inside our pubs. If a customer receives a call then he or she should go outside the pub to take it in the same way as is required with smoking.

"Whether outside or inside, tablets and iPads must be prohibited. Customers must not be allowed to receive transmitted pictures of sport or download music apps on the brewery's premises either inside or outside."

It added: "The brewery's policy is that our pubs are for social conversation person to person."

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Another visitor to the popular bar said: "In some respects it is quite nice. It preserves the tradition of chatting at the bar. But it is old-fashioned. I like the way the brewery looks after its staff. The Nest is a good watering hole and it is always good to see it supported by the regulars."

The Berkeley Hotel in Scunthorpe is a popular venue for Scunthorpe United fans before home games.

Scunthorpe Live reporter Charlie Wilson said: "I think it is a good idea. But at the same time people do need their phones for emergencies and other circumstances. It would be good to trial it. We have had some restaurants in town ask customers to hand in their phones. It will be interesting to see how customers respond."

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